Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy and Side Effects of Imipramine, Sertraline and an Ayurvedic Formulation in Patients of Depression

Settings and Design: This study was an open labeled randomized clinical trial which involved 90 depressive patients who were divided into three groups of 30 each, for the administration of imipramine, sertraline, and an Ayurvedic formulation respectively. HAM-D scoring was done and a side effect checklist was also prepared. Materials and Methods: The Ayurvedic formulation consisted of aqueous extracts of Brahmi, Shankhpuship, Malkangni and Jatamansi which were mixed in equal proportions (250 mg each). The Ayurvedic formulation was administered at a dose of 1000 mg orally in two divided doses; and imipramine and sertraline were administered at a dose of 150 mg each per day, to separate the groups of patients. The persons who abided by the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected randomly. The effect of the treatments on the treated patients was repeatedly assessed at a continuous interval of two weeks for three months.